Simone Inzaghi says Inter are “going beyond all expectations” this term, as he celebrated a 2-0 win over Atalanta in the Supercoppa Italiana.
Denzel Dumfries scored twice in Riyadh on Thursday as Inter cast aside the Serie A leaders to reach the final.
They will now face either Juventus or their city rivals AC Milan on Monday.
And Inzaghi believes Inter – the reigning Serie A champions – are exceeding expectations this term.
“The lads were excellent, it was never in doubt against a team of great quality,” he told Sport Mediaset, in quotes reported by Football Italia.
“We wanted this final, we made the first step and now know the most important one still has to be made, but to create this many chances against Atalanta is honestly something to be proud of.
“Our only fault is not killing off the game earlier, but I really cannot complain against quality opposition.
“I am very satisfied, especially with all these journeys and a packed fixture list, yet the lads showed determination, concentration and focus. We have gone beyond all expectations this season.”
Inter sit third in Serie A, though they are only a point behind Atalanta and Napoli with a game in hand.
They have now won five straight games in all competitions without conceding. They had last done that back in 2007.
But it was one of their defenders, Dumfries, who proved their hero.
Inzaghi added: “That is our style of football, our defenders push up and contribute to the attacking moves, so find themselves in the right positions.
“Dumfries has always scored goals for Inter and the Netherlands, so he is not a surprise.”
Lautaro Martinez squandered a great chance to put Inter out of sight, though Inzaghi reiterated his faith in the out-of-sorts attacker.
“He was unlucky against [Atalanta goalkeeper Marco] Carnesecchi, who made some extraordinary saves, but we get a lot out of our strikers that goes beyond goals,” he said.
“I am fortunate to have five forwards whose first focus is that Inter win matches.”
